Shrimp and Chicken Stir-Fry: A Quick, Healthy, and Delicious Recipe
Stir-fries are a weeknight dinner champion for a reason. They’re fast, customizable, and packed with flavor. This Shrimp and Chicken Stir-Fry recipe is no exception. Combining succulent shrimp and tender chicken with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s relatively healthy and can be adapted to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Get ready to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Chicken Stir-Fry
* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein from the shrimp and chicken, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this stir-fry is a well-balanced meal.
* **Customizable:** Easily swap out the vegetables or adjust the sauce to your liking. This recipe is very forgiving and adaptable.
* **Delicious and Flavorful:** The combination of savory sauce, tender protein, and crisp vegetables creates a symphony of flavors and textures.
* **One-Pan Meal:** Minimal cleanup is always a win! This dish is primarily cooked in one wok or large skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
**For the Chicken and Shrimp:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
**For the Vegetables:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
* 1 medium onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup snow peas
* 1 cup sliced carrots
* Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts
**For the Sauce:**
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
* 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
**For Serving (Optional):**
* Cooked rice or noodles
* Sesame seeds
* Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Shrimp and Chicken Stir-Fry.
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and create a slightly crispy exterior when cooked.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the shrimp with a drizzle of sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**
1. Wash and chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list. Having all the vegetables prepped and ready to go before you start cooking is essential for a smooth and efficient stir-fry.
**Step 3: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce**
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth (or water). Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in your sauce.
**Step 4: Cook the Chicken**
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the wok or skillet is hot before adding the chicken. A hot surface will help the chicken to sear and develop a nice color.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok and cook until it is browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
**Step 5: Cook the Shrimp**
1. Add a little more oil to the wok if needed. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside with the chicken.
**Step 6: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. Add the sliced onion to the wok and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, snow peas, and sliced carrots to the wok. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want the vegetables to retain some of their crunch.
**Step 7: Combine and Finish the Stir-Fry**
1. Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure that the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the ingredients are heated through. The sauce should become glossy and cling to the chicken, shrimp, and vegetables.
**Step 8: Serve**
1. Serve the Shrimp and Chicken Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips and Variations
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always give you the best flavor. If possible, use fresh ginger and garlic for the sauce.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Wok:** Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
* **Add Different Vegetables:** Get creative with your vegetables! Try adding mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, zucchini, or bok choy.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and shrimp and add tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
* **Use Different Protein:** Try using beef, pork, or turkey instead of chicken and shrimp.
* **Add Nuts:** Add some toasted peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free. Also, double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp and Chicken Stir-Fry is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:
* **Serve over Rice:** Cooked white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all great options.
* **Serve over Noodles:** Lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles, or rice noodles are all delicious choices.
* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad or a cucumber salad adds a refreshing element to the meal.
* **Serve with Spring Rolls:** Crispy spring rolls make a great appetizer to complement the stir-fry.
* **Serve with Soup:** A bowl of wonton soup or egg drop soup is a comforting addition to the meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
**Storage:**
* Allow the stir-fry to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
* Store the stir-fry in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
**Reheating:**
* Reheat the stir-fry in a wok or skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* You can also reheat the stir-fry in the microwave. Cover the dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
This Shrimp and Chicken Stir-Fry recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and quick meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and adjust the sauce to your preference. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying stir-fry!
Enjoy your culinary journey! Happy Cooking!